The Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan

Today I learned about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a famous pilgrimage route that circles the island of Shikoku in Japan.

• Temples: The route covers 88 “official” temples.
• Founder: Associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai, founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
• Distance: It spans approximately 1,200 kilometers.
• Purpose: While many do it for spiritual reasons, others undertake the journey for personal or cultural exploration.
• Pilgrims: Known as henro, they often wear traditional white clothing and carry wooden walking sticks.
• Modes of Travel: Historically done on foot, but nowadays many use cars, buses, or bicycles.
• Completion: Finishing the route is seen as a significant spiritual and physical achievement.